Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, participated in the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day Mass Celebration held at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith in Awka. The event, which honours fallen military heroes and supports current personnel, took on special significance this year as the governor used the occasion to call for a unified effort in tackling the growing insecurity facing the nation.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Mass is a key event in Nigeria’s annual calendar, paying tribute to the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in defence of the country. The celebration also serves to recognize the ongoing contributions of active military personnel. Governor Soludo, accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim attended the event to show solidarity and extend his gratitude to the nation’s security forces.
The Mass was officiated by the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim, with a sermon delivered by Ven. C.C. Mgbemena. The message emphasized the importance of faithfulness to Christ’s calling, with perseverance seen as the key to the church’s purpose. Ven. Mgbemena also called on the congregation to pray for the success of the government and to act as a unifying force rather than one that fosters division.
In his address to the congregation, Governor Soludo reflected on the significance of the day and underscored the importance of the Mass as more than just a remembrance of the fallen heroes. He framed it as a moment for action, urging citizens and leaders alike to join forces in combating the criminal activities that threaten the nation’s security. He declared, “We, in unison, can rise up to condemn the criminal acts going on,” calling for greater collaboration among all sectors of society. Soludo went beyond merely acknowledging insecurity as a national issue; he delved into its deeper ideological roots. He pointed out that the criminal elements wreaking havoc across the nation are not just driven by material interests, but by a belief system that, according to the Governor, aligns with idolatry. By making this connection, Soludo suggested that the fight against insecurity must address not only lawlessness but also the moral and cultural foundations that underpin these criminal activities.
The Governor’s remarks echoed a central theme: security is a collective responsibility. He reminded the congregation that safeguarding the nation requires more than just the efforts of security agencies—it demands active involvement from every individual. “If you see something, say something,” he urged, emphasizing that citizens must take ownership of their security and contribute to building a safer society. This call to action was not just theoretical but a practical reminder of the role each citizen plays in upholding the integrity of the nation. Governor Soludo’s words resonated with the audience, which included veterans, active-duty personnel, and local residents. His message was clear: security cannot be achieved without the collaboration of all, and every individual has a duty to protect their community.
The religious context of the event provided a powerful backdrop to the Governor’s speech. Ven. C.C. Mgbemena’s sermon, which stressed faithfulness to Christ and the importance of perseverance, aligned with Soludo’s call for moral vigilance. The spiritual framework added a deeper dimension to the Governor’s message, suggesting that the fight against insecurity is not just a physical struggle but also a moral and ethical one. Governor Soludo’s framing of crime as linked to idolatry added a unique perspective, urging citizens to reflect on the societal and spiritual factors that contribute to the rise in criminality. This broader approach reinforced the idea that insecurity is a multi-faceted issue, requiring both practical measures and moral reflection to address it effectively.
In addition to his speech, Governor Soludo took time to interact with veterans and active military personnel at the event, offering words of encouragement and solidarity. His personal engagement with the attendees demonstrated his continued commitment to supporting the security forces, reinforcing the message that leadership should actively show support to those who protect the nation.
Governor Soludo’s participation in the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Mass was not just a ceremonial act but a platform for voicing a clear and urgent message. In the face of growing insecurity, he called for unity, collective action, and a deeper understanding of the root causes of criminal behaviour. By framing the issue in both civic and moral terms, he invited all citizens to play an active role in addressing the country’s security challenges. As the nation continues to grapple with these issues, Soludo’s address serves as a timely reminder that the responsibility for securing the nation lies with each and every one of us.
